Thursday, September 23, 2010

Do you like to root for the underdog? Because I've got an underdog of epic proportions for you. We're talking long, long shot. Like a legless horse in the Kentucky Derby. A blind basketball team facing the 95 Bulls. If somehow Rudy and Rocky had a baby it still wouldn't be as big an underdog as our little show... Lone Star.

You may have heard about last Monday night when several heavily sequined, dancing celebrity, conspiracy laden, bowling shirted nuclear bombs landed directly on our heads. When everyone who watched your show is a paid critic or someone you went to high school with, that's less of a premiere than a slideshow.

But! BUT!

But here we are. Still alive. A little groundhog peeking out of a bomb crater to see if there's six more weeks of nuclear winter or if, perhaps, something can grow in this hole. And that's where you come in.

For us to survive we're going to have to pull off a minor miracle. Statistically, new shows tend to lose viewers in their second week. We're aiming to gain them. In fact, screw it, let's just double our audience. The good news is, our audience was so small that if my Mom AND my Dad watch it we'll pretty much be there.

Here's the thing: it really is a good show. Don't take it from me, take if from these guys here and here and lots of other places. Are these all just people in ivory towers with tweed jackets and glasses of scotch who hate America? Possibly! But my Mom also loved it and she LOVES America just like you.

I'm not going to beg. I'll mow your lawn or offer you some sort of sensual massage, but I won't beg. The truth is, what we need to do is nearly impossible. I've heard and read that a million times since Tuesday morning. But isn't that why we watch television? Sports? Movies? To, every once in a while, see something impossible actually happen? Impossible is AWESOME! Am I right? High five!

So here's the plan. You go deep. All of you. You and millions of your friends. And Monday night, down by a lot with only seconds on the clock, we'll throw the ball up, an impossibly long arcing pass into a host of defenders who are taller and flashier and stronger and probably more well endowed than all of us, and maybe, just maybe, it's one of those moments where the thing everyone said COULD NOT HAPPEN actually just... does. And you my friend, you could say you were there, you and all your friends, just taking one big Gatorade bath with the millions of people who, like you, decided to say 'F you' to statistics and just settle in for a damn good hour of television.

So spread the word. Repost, retweet, re...faceboook or just put on your crazy pants and head down to the freeway exit and shout at cars like I'm going to.

Big thanks to you all for the comments, reposts and reviews of your own.

Brass tacks - it's really about the number of people who watch live. Even in this world of DVR's the decisions are made the next day based on the previous night. So YES, watch the episode online, watch it when it reruns on Saturday night, and then be there LIVE monday night and I will personally give you high five.

I pray to the God I don't believe in that a miracle will save "Lone Star". I've watched the pilot 3 times and love it more with each viewing. The story structure is phenomenal. Please America let genius ring and watch this show.

to be honest, I had not even heard of your show before this post was linked by a friend on Twitter. And at 9pm on Mondays I'm always watching Monday Night Football. But I promise I will watch the pilot online and DVR this upcoming episode. And if I somehow end up getting that Nielsen envelope, I'll be sure to pencil you in. The show sounds fantastic and your enthusiasm here leads me to believe it's the kind of TV I like to watch.

I watched and am looking forward to seeing where the show goes. Hate that we only get one or two chances to make an impact these days - miss the "old days" when series were given a chance to see what might actually happen - hell, even the original 90210 crapped out until Fox started running summer episodes...

I loved Lone Star! James Wolk was fantastic. This show is smart and I'm already addicted, so I really hope that it is not cancelled. I have told my friends to watch and my family. They promised to spread the word about this awesome show!

I had to TiVo and haven't watched it yet. Fox is notorious for not giving shows a chance - because of this I watched the Event and taped Lonestar. Monday nights are packed - they may want to consider moving to another night/timeslot. I will still be taping and give it a chance - Good Luck Lonestar - see you next week - I hope!

LONE STAR is the best story driven TV Darama to come along in over a decade!! We have enough cop, detective, doctors, lawyers and housewives.. This is fresh and entertaining and it has my attention every week it's on!! Come on Kyle, write us something really juicy we can talk about at the water cooler..

I watched the pilot (albeit on Hulu, because I forgot to set the DVR) due to Alan Sepinwall's review. I enjoyed it and hope that ratings pick up enough for the second episode for FOX to keep it on longer, give it a chance to build an audience instead of expecting a smash-hit right out of the gate. Since I don't have a Nielsen box, I will definitely setting the DVR for the second episode; that seems to be about the "second-best" thing I can do, even though I've read it takes about 2 weeks for the networks to get those numbers.

Several years ago, a guy called me from Hollywood at 2AM to ask what I thought of BIG LOVE on HBO. I asked him why he cares to get advice from a guy in Kalamazoo (at 2AM)? That got a laugh. So I told him it was boring and something needed to happen to move it along. He answered with, "that's what I keep telling them."

Well LoneStar doesn't need my advice from Kalamazoo. When you hit one out of the park and it's bouncing in the stands between the foul poles, it's called a home run. Kyle, you hit a homer.

I watched - and loved - it. The character development, even through just one episode, was exquisite. I'm dying to know what Bob's dark side looks like and what triggers it (he's a criminal, there must be one), and what happened to his mother - something must have happened to make his father so desperate for a connection now (his despair seemed to be fueled by more than a want for money and topless women). Hopefully I'll be able to learn all this throughout the course of the season, and if not maybe I'll get an email low-down of the story :-)

I wish I knew what was wrong with the networks and their audiences that they have to struggle so hard to get people to watch amazingly written and shot dramas starring handsome men in Texas!

I'm going to post the hell out of this on Twitter, Facebook, my blog, etc. Because I KNOW what it's like to believe in something so much, and all it takes is one (or maybe in this case, 1 million or more) to take a chance on you.

"Lone Star" is a fantastic, entertaining, compelling television drama that deserves a place on Fox's permanent schedule.

Here's what I want to know though. If you get an increase in viewers, can I get a couple lines on the show? I promise I'm good. And if nothing else, I'll get MY Mom and Dad to watch (except they already do. . so I'll get other parents as well). :)

I watched the Lone Star pilot knowing that it was a show that all the US critics loved (I say US critics because I'm French. Well, nobody's perfect, eh), and... that was pretty much it.Boy, they were right! And I was in for a ride. But a good one, you know. Nothing like a dumb roller-coaster, just a deep, human, heartfelt emotional ride. Thank you for that.

There's an immensely good show on american Network TV in 2010. America should understand that THAT is The Event. And watch it.

This was my favorite pilot of the season and I had to read everything (I wanted a client on it badly) I was happy to see how the shot pilot turned out and I hope that it finds its audience. Why does the core of the US just want to watch the same drab reality programming and predictable procedurals. I will be watching and tell everyone I know to watch as well.

Hey Kyle,Cliff Dorfman here. I wrote first couple of seasons of that HBO show, Entourage. Also have this flick coming out soon from Lionsgate called Warrior with Tom Hardy. I had the privilege of watching the Lone Star pilot about 2 months ago and was blown away. I just sat back on the couch, exhaled and thought, fuck! I wanna be a part of something great like this. A brilliant antihero who never had a chance in life is finally going to try and stake a claim. The writing to me was pitch perfect as were the performances, tone and overall look of your show. I've literally told every single person I know that Lone Star is the best new show of the year. I've been doing so for months now. I will continue to do so until the crazy, fat, cat lady sings. This shit is not over yet. I hope I'm sitting in a room somewhere three years from now, watching the highly anticipated season premiere. Kinda feel like I will be. Just sayin'...Sincerely,CLIFF DORFMAN

Loved the pilot!!! I am a writer and I was on a show last season and it was crushing to have people predict our failure. I am rooting for "Lone Star" and I can't wait to get my sensual massage because I've Twittered this to everyone I know.

I read an article on zap2it.com about your post and I just had to comment. I haven't watched the pilot episode, but I will definitely watch next Monday solely because you are a very funny person and your post made me laugh. A lot.

I LOVED the pilot, and I absolutely can NOT wait until Monday! Unfortunately, as a Canadian I can't help much with ratings. But if it makes you feel better, I'm annoying the hell out of my American friends until they tune in LOL Good luck Kyle!

We couldn't bring ourselves to watch it. Even during the coming attractions all we could say was, "whoop whooop". Unfortunately I think the Lifetime Movie that James Wolk was in has killed it for us. Sorry!

(Rob this is tomntmj)Kyle,I was dissappointed in the ratings too, I figured you'd beat the S$|# out of The Event. Everyone I know that watched it, thought it was a little "slow," BUT were going to watch it again, so there is hope. If the Network gives you time, it WILL be a hit. Most of the great shows have taken a while, but then the Networks gave them more time. But I thought the pilot was great, perfect setup... mayby a little "slow," and I'm sure it's too late to go back to post, for the next expisode. Fingers crossed.

Lone Star is definitely an amazing show that is not the same old same old. It is unfortunate that its advertising seemed to confuse many on what this show is really about and even when it was premiering. It is a shame they did not wait until some of the fall premiere dust settled and then launch the show without the insane competition that they put it up against.

This show is a shining star and FOX should do all it can to help find it an audience that will surely come back again and again to tune into something different for a change. PLease keep this on the air!

LOVED the pilot and have encouraged several friends to watch it when our local FOX affiliate reruns it Saturday night at 10 Central.

My boyfriend hadn't even heard of your show when we sat down to watch it Monday night -- way to promote quality, huh? -- but the morning after, he was all about encouraging everyone he works with to watch it.

Shows like Lone Star deserve to get cancelled, since they're not on the same level of innovation as Mad Men, The Wire, or Breaking Bad. Actually, all network TV programs should be abolished. There should only be two channels available in North America: HBO and AMC.

I love the show, the reason it got low viewings is it was pit against "The event". Why do networks air all their new shows at the same time and on the same night? I wanted to see the Event and Lone Star, but they were on at the same time. Then there was nothing to watch the rest of the week - Typical! Move it to a better night that does not compete with something established. But I love it! But sad to say everytime I love a new show it disappears (like Southland)

Gonna set every television in both my aunt's and my house to record this and watch it live. Screw The Event; I heard it wasn't that good, anyway.

I'm telling all of my friends about this amazing show as soon as possible. I watched the show because it came on after House, and am now hooked. The music is what hooked me, I'll be honest; the acting, the plot, everything, really, it's all amazing. All of it. And, that's something I can't say for very many shows that are on today. I don't understand how the ratings could be anything less than phenomenal. Okay, I can, but it doesn't seem fair.

I can already say, with some real conviction, that I love Lone Star. I hope it'll be around for at least a season; I'm going to get as many people to tune in this Monday to do my part and ensure such a thing happens.

I come from Greece,watched the show,wrote the best in my blog about it,but as you can understand i can't help that this excellent for a network tv serie remains on air for a full season and more.I just want to tell that the story of ''Lone Star'' could have success in international markets and especially in Europe.People here enjoy more such stories,which are down to earth,with people who have real feelings and problems and not sci fi stuff with aliens,aeroplanes that dissapear etc.

I 'm telling you.FOX be patient and give it time.You 'll not lose,you didn't wrong,trust the card you have!You won't believe how succesful this story can be worldwide!

This show is amazing! I caught it online after a friend was raving about it and will now be watching every Monday for sure (Hopefully!) It's so much better than everything else on TV right now, and I watch a lot of TV. The time slot sucks. Is there any way you can switch to say, Tuesday night? Would there be a possibility of a cable network picking it up if Fox drops it? They never give new shows a chance to gain an audience. I usually don't watch Fox shows for that very reason. You know as soon as you get into something, if it's not reality TV they'll yank it, so there's no point in wasting your time. EVERYONE DVRs stuff, myself included. Those numbers should count for something.

Really enjoyed the show. I'd say that the Event isn't the competition, it's MNF that's going to give you trouble...

Well written, I already care about the characters, and I'm excited for more. Sounds like the unfortunate recipe for cancellation. I really wish you the best and will watch live on Monday to do my part.

Good show...with an interesting storyline and a great cast of characters; And, awesome music to boot! I really hope it gets more airtime; I truly think, that when more people view it, they will LOVE it! :)

Ok, here's one more from the "international" audience pool - which I know does not help with your current burning seat at all, but still... at least I can offer support from the habitual underdog that is Serbia.

Loved the pilot & I think it was brave of you to try and make this kind of show on a network instead of cable, which is where it really belongs, in all honesty. And not because lower ratings are acceptable on cable, but because this kind of narration and characters deserve the artistic and ratings-pressure freedom that cable provides.

All i can do now is *hope* that Fox is not freaking shortsided about this, and that it lets you and your crew develop characters and the plot, let the word of mouth spread to the right audiences, and just dont destroy an amazing show before it could really prove itself.

Again, HUGE thanks to each and every one of you who's commented and offered support and generally been super awesome.

To answer the recurring question about DVR and online, it's complicated. Those numbers come in weeks after the fact so the big decisions are still made almost entirely on live views. It may not be the most logical system in today's world, but it's the reality. So... Monday night, live = tuesday morning, miracle.

oh, and one more thing I forgot... why was it promoted along the lines of "nighttime soap opera"? I saw that comment in reviews so many times. Was it just the tv critics that went into that direction or was it something coming from you(r) guys and the studio?

Because after watching the pilot, I literally cannot think of a genre that is more of an INADEQUATE description for LS than soap opera.

I had doubts when I read those things, because I was expecting intricate, complicated and stupid plots piling up on eachother, with lots of obvious conflicts and character exaggerations, when I saw what it actually WAS, I was very relieved.

OK, here's the deal with Lone Star... It's a really good show! My wife & I decided to check out all these new 1 hour shows on Monday night, The Event, Lone Star & Hawaii Five-0. They were all pretty good, but here's the problem... there's too much stuff on Mondays. Even with a dual DVR, it's way to crowded.

We used to watch the CBS sitcom line up, but ever since House & Chuck were put at 7 CST, we've been missing How I Met Your Mother. We wanted to check out both The Event & Lone Star, so we decided to forego Two & a Half Men for the first week. But, if CBS hadn't moved Big Bang Theory to Thursdays, that wouldn't have happened. Big Bang is a lock for us & it would have bumped somebody off our DVR. Lucky for you guys that my wife doesn't really like Two & a Half Men as much as I do, so "new TV" trumped old sitcoms this week.

That being said, there's no guarantee our DVR keeps both Lone Star & The Event. We both agreed Lone Star is the better show & has the advantage. The characters are interesting. James Wolk as the lead is good casting. We loved Adrianne Palicki on FNL. And the shows premise has promise. You want to root for the guy who decides he can't keep up the con & wants to make it work, because he's allowed himself to care about the people he's targeted.

The Event was good too, but here's the problem it has... It's another show based on some "mysterious phenomenon" that (probably) never gets fully revealed in the 1st season. And I predict that it will be canceled after one season. Why, because we got sucked into Flash Forward last year & we got sucked into Surface a few years ago... and they both got canceled before we ever found out anything. I'm not doing it again.

We'll probably end up keeping Lone Star & switch back to Two & a Half Men. But if you want Lone Star to have a better shot in the ratings, a different night would be a great idea. I don't know which night would be best for the show, but Tuesday's are pretty empty for us. Only The Good Wife & Justified on our DVR on Tues. We spend Tues night catching up with Monday's shows as it is. If only everyone in America had a dual DVR, your ratings would be easier to improve.

I agree with some of the previous posters though, stop expecting the 1st episode ratings to be the benchmark to whether a show will be successful. Ratings don't mean everything, or at least they shouldn't. Friday Night Lights is one of the best shows on TV, IMO, and it's never had stellar ratings. NBC's Life was an excellent show & they wound up canceling it for ratings.

I hope Lone Star gets a shot, it made a good first impression. ~Mike in AR

OK, here's the deal with Lone Star... It's a really good show! My wife & I decided to check out all these new 1 hour shows on Monday night, The Event, Lone Star & Hawaii Five-0. They were all pretty good, but here's the problem... there's too much stuff on Mondays. Even with a dual DVR, it's way to crowded.

We used to watch the CBS sitcom line up, but ever since House & Chuck were put at 7 CST, we've been missing How I Met Your Mother. We wanted to check out both The Event & Lone Star, so we decided to forego Two & a Half Men for the first week. But, if CBS hadn't moved Big Bang Theory to Thursdays, that wouldn't have happened. Big Bang is a lock for us & it would have bumped somebody off our DVR. Lucky for you guys that my wife doesn't really like Two & a Half Men as much as I do, so "new TV" trumped old sitcoms this week.

That being said, there's no guarantee our DVR keeps both Lone Star & The Event. We both agreed Lone Star is the better show & has the advantage. The characters are interesting. James Wolk as the lead is good casting. We loved Adrianne Palicki on FNL. And the shows premise has promise. You want to root for the guy who decides he can't keep up the con & wants to make it work, because he's allowed himself to care about the people he's targeted.

The Event was good too, but here's the problem it has... It's another show based on some "mysterious phenomenon" that (probably) never gets fully revealed in the 1st season. And I predict that it will be canceled after one season. Why, because we got sucked into Flash Forward last year & we got sucked into Surface a few years ago... and they both got canceled before we ever found out anything. I'm not doing it again.

We'll probably end up keeping Lone Star & switch back to Two & a Half Men. But if you want Lone Star to have a better shot in the ratings, a different night would be a great idea. I don't know which night would be best for the show, but Tuesday's are pretty empty for us. Only The Good Wife & Justified on our DVR on Tues. We spend Tues night catching up with Monday's shows as it is. If only everyone in America had a dual DVR, your ratings would be easier to improve.

I agree with some of the previous posters though, stop expecting the 1st episode ratings to be the benchmark to whether a show will be successful. Ratings don't mean everything, or at least they shouldn't. Friday Night Lights is one of the best shows on TV, IMO, and it's never had stellar ratings. NBC's Life was an excellent show & they wound up canceling it for ratings.

I hope Lone Star gets a shot, it made a good first impression. ~Mike in AR

OK, here's the deal with Lone Star... It's a really good show! My wife & I decided to check out all these new 1 hour shows on Monday night, The Event, Lone Star & Hawaii Five-0. They were all pretty good, but here's the problem... there's too much stuff on Mondays. Even with a dual DVR, it's way to crowded.

How I Met Your Mother got bumped by House & Chuck. We decided to skip Two & a Half Men for the first week. If CBS hadn't moved Big Bang Theory to Thursdays... Big Bang is a lock for us & it would have bumped somebody. There's no guarantee our DVR keeps both Lone Star & The Event. We both agreed Lone Star is the better show & has the advantage. The shows premise has promise. You want to root for the guy who decides he can't keep up the con & wants to make it work, because he's allowed himself to care about the people he's targeted.

The Event was good too, but here's the problem it has... It's another show based on some "mysterious phenomenon" that (probably) never gets fully revealed in the 1st season. And I predict that it will be canceled after one season. Why, because we got sucked into Flash Forward last year & we got sucked into Surface a few years ago... and they both got canceled before we ever found out anything. I'm not doing it again.

If you want Lone Star to have a better shot in the ratings, a different night would be a great idea. I agree with some of the previous posters though, stop expecting the 1st episode ratings to be the benchmark to whether a show will be successful. Ratings don't mean everything, or at least they shouldn't. Friday Night Lights is one of the best shows on TV, and it's never had stellar ratings. NBC's Life was an excellent show & they wound up canceling it for ratings.

I hope Lone Star gets a shot, it made a good first impression. ~Mike in AR

OK, did not mean to post 3 times, the stupid "word verification" kept erroring out & it kept telling me my post was too long, but it wouldn't say how "too long" it was. And I have no idea how to delete the 1st 2 posts. If the blog owner wants to, or can, feel free to delete this post along with my 1st 2... Thanks, Mike

I saw the Lone Star pilot as a test screener in June, and I loved it. I was pleased to see it air essentially unchanged this week, and stunned when the numbers came in. I hope FOX gives it a chance -- there's a LOT of intriguing new shows launching this year (more than I can recall in YEARS), and it's going to take TIME for the dust to settle. I've been telling people for months that Lone Star is "Dallas meets The Sopranos meets Big Love" with a dash of LOST (con men) and a generous sprinkling of Up In The Air (existential angst of the rootless businessman). I'm rooting for you!!

For what it's worth, I blame the ad campaign for making me think it looked like a Lifetime Movie of the Week. What's on the bus doesn't do justice to your writing if this is any indication. And I am an easy sell because of my weak and malleable mind.

I looked forward to the show after reading about it in TV Guide. I liked the freshness of the premise, the attractive and capable young cast, and I had no conflicts in the time slot in which it was airing in this market.

I tuned in and immediately discovered that Jon Voight was in the cast. Mr. Voight is entitled to voice his political views and I am entitled not to watch any show he is in.

I am offering this up as a simple explanation of why one viewer was lost. I am disappointed.

Looks like Fox is going to be re-running the pilot Saturday night at 11pm, so that'll give newbies like me a chance to check it out. A friend at Fox highly recommended it, but I forgot to set my Tivo, so glad they're re-running the pilot!

@David Wilson; seriously you won't watch a critically acclaimed ensemble drama because ONE person in the cast has political views that differ from yours?

I wonder how you would feel if someone came into your place of employment and noted to your bosses that they didn't agree with your politics so they wouldn't be shopping there anymore or patronizing the business in anyway as long as you worked there.

The truth is I wouldn't have even known about the show if it wasn't for one of my TV professors at NYU. I think it needs a serious ad campaign and maybe a rerun of the premiere this weekend. FOX won't be too into that, but still.

I watched the first episode and really enjoyed it. It was much better than The Event. I was shocked to see the ratings the next day and all the negative buzz. It doesn't deserve it. I hope things improve.

The pilot was great. The characters are all really engaging, and I'm intrigued to know where this plot line is going. There is some tough Monday night competition, which is all the more reason that you have to give the show a chance.

Please give the show a chance!!! Who placed a new show (even one this good) at the same time as "Dancing with the Stars" and didn't expect low numbers.?!! The actors were GREAT and the story line is interesting. GIVE IT A CHANCE!

I was interested in Lone Star as soon as I saw the preview in May after the upfronts. I have been waiting patiently for four months for the pilot to air. And I was starting to get worried that even though I really wanted to like it I wouldn't.

Then I watched it on Hulu (my roommates wanted to watch Gossip Girl) and was so blown away there was no way I would have been disappointed. I have now posted this blog on facebook and twitter. Also I have been retweeting all the great things said by everyone I follow.

This was the show that I was most looking forward to and I was not disappointed in the pilot. I thought FINALLY, someone with some imagination is bringing an interesting show to one of the big four networks! I am upset that CANCELLATION is out there now over bad ratings. What is wrong with these networks? Do you realize that 2/3 of the dramas on the big 4 are either based on some sort of law enforcement, the legal field, the medical field, or a combination thereof? I'm tired of it. This is new, refreshing, intriguing, and just plain GOOD DRAMA? Mr. Killen, I will watch your show on any network, at any time day or night, that it airs. That's what DVR's are for. If you get canceled, sell it to a cable network somewhere. Maybe it's too smart for dumbed down network TV viewers.

Move it to a different night if that's what it takes....but DEFINITELY KEEP IT on the air....strong script, storyline, great acting, great music, depth of characters: an actor (James Wolk) who is playing a con man who is living two lives....that's "Inception-grade" multi-level realities.....gotta love it!

I usually only watch HBO series like The Wire or Mad Men on AMC (call me a snob or admit I have a taste for quality), so it was a departure to try Lone Star. I really liked the 1st episode and vowed to catch it again next week. Look, Fox people, don't you remember that report long ago that called TV offerings a "vast wasteland"? Lately TV has taken over movies' mandate to deliver thought-provoking drama that speaks to our lives today. I'm not saying Lone Star is Hamlet or anything, but I found the dilemma of the main character (go straight or continue his con) and the family conflicts of inherent interest. I was looking forward to seeing how Killen would spin this out. The male actors did a terrific job of showing all the flawed dimensions and potential positive & negative aspects of their characters. (Kyle, the female characters so far are weak window dressing -- work on that, please.) I tweeted to save Lone Star (@carolartbeat -- did I say I'm a critic?) and I'll pass the word on my 2 facebook pages (one personal, other promotes my book). Message to FOX: you're stupid in so many ways; please redeem yourself by giving this show a life!

I was bombarded by advertisements for "The Event" for weeks, obviously a lot of other people were too. It sounded intriguing and worth a look. The night of the premier I watched for about 5 minutes and then checked out Lone Star and was instantly hooked. No contest. It was fascinating and extremely well done.

I don't know about all the viewers of "The Event" but I suspect that quite a few will give Lone Star a look next week and I hope that episode is as least as good or better than the first. Keep on doing a great job, it's a great show.

How do we start a campaign to keep this show on air????? I watched the pilot and loved this VERY refreshing new show. I can't wait to see what happens next!! I recorded it on TIVO so my husband can enjoy it. If we can successfully campaign to get Betty White to host SNL, why can't we keep this show from being yanked?? I'll help any way I can, too!

I stopped watching much network tv because of the writer's strike. I had gotten invested in shows and then they were gone.

This fall I decided to finally try a new drama (I have watched a few sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory). I read the reviews and chose Lone Star as by far the best looking of the bunch. I loved it and now you're saying it may disappear quickly?

I'm watching the 1980 'Miracle on Ice' this weekend in your honor. As a fellow writer, I can't imagine going through all the hard work you have put into this and have the network not really give it a shot. This was easily the best new show out this season and Fox should really consider a move to another slot... Question, when you wrote the pilot, did you have the songs used in mind or was that something added later. It really worked for me and was a great fit for the show. Best of Luck man. I believe in miracles and underdogs.

I have to say, I wasn't intending to watch it. I tuned in because there wasn't anything else I wanted to watch (I REFUSE to watch that 'reality' garbage).... and ended up watching the entire thing. This is no small feat. If I don't like something, I will quickly begin to channel surf or turn it off.

The acting was superb, it is a very creative concept (unlike most of the 'new' shows this season) and, IMO, well written and executed. I found myself wanting more, and excited for the next episode. Which is NOT something I can say for ANY other new show this season.

I have been telling everyone about this show... and I think several of them will be watching on Monday.

Doing all I can to keep one of the VERY few good shows still left on the air!!

Great pilot, great scripts to come BUT...sometimes a great show rots from the head down. Unfortunately, behind the scenes, this show is an angry show with an on site producer and staff that has nothing but contempt for the Texas locals and the crew that worked so hard to bring your vision to the screen. Karma is still a B my friend.

As a person living in Europe I can unfortunately not make a difference for your show but I wish I could. Admittedly I watched Lone Star in an alternative way if you catch my drift. My compliments for this terrific episode. I really enjoyed it. James Wolk is a discovery. In the onslaught of all the new fall shows two stood out: Lone Star and Boardwalk Empire. I really hope the Nielsen ratings will improve. Warm regards, Michael

I have to say, I'm surprised by the low viewings of the show. I caught the episode on Hulu, and I'm hooked. I've already told many of my friends about the show and encouraged them to watch. I think I enjoy the show most because of its relation to my own personal situation.

I loved the pilot and am looking forward to seeing more! I don't understand the networks now, why they won't give a show any time to find it's audience??? They have NO vision, which is obvious by the plethora of poor programing that is on. I wish you lick and I'll pass on to my friends what a good show it is:)

I didn't manage to catch the pilot on Monday, but finally got to it tonight and was highly impressed. I'll be there for this Monday for sure, and I hope Fox is smart enough to give a good show room to grow, and maybe try finding it a less competitive timeslot if it's not a good match for the House audience. Maybe rename it Friday Night Lights Does Dallas and you've got a name that TV geeks will like and the Dancing With the Stars audience will tune in because it makes them think of porn and they're already the group watching hours of bad dancing for the skimpy outfits. Anyhow, I'll see if I can rope some people into giving it a shot, and I hope you get your miracle.

It was the name... I expected to see chuck norris and some texas ranger.. But I liked the show and will watch monday even just for the free lawn mowing ;) Good luck. your show was better then just about every new nbc show..

Well, if it helps to get the word out, I posted my thoughts on the show to my blog and I'm going to forward to anyone you know. Not really trolling for hits here, but if anyone wants to pass it on, please feel free:

http://tinyurl.com/2aebd96

Best new show of the season. What a great pilot. I've watched it three times.

Good luck to you and your show. My boyfriend who is an expert television fan (he watches it) sat and tivo'd all of the new pilots for the fun of it. Then he watched them all or as much as he could stomach. YOUR pilot is his favorite by a mile. My BF is a PHD in mechanical engineering a true smarty pants. I think he is your fan base. I hope as does he that your show rocks the ratings soon. I have little or no faith in the factory called Hollywood and so will pray for you.

I watched all the pilots this season. Lone Star is by far my favourite. I was very sad to see it do so badly. Hoping for a miracle this week. Been suggesting it to anyone and everyone, even my maths professor.

Lone Star was great, I watched it twice! It disappoints me that after one episode, networks threaten to pull the plug rather than move it to another time slot or a better night. If critics agree it is one of the best new shows of the season, how can FOX not give it more time. I will keep watching. I hope others do too!

I will definitely try to get more people watching it. On the strength of the review in Entertainment Weekly, I decided to give the show a try, and I convinced my husband to watch with me as well.

We both thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a show that we talked about afterward at some length.

Good acting all around, and good writing as well. It's no mean feat to create a sympathetic con man character, but that's what you have in Bob. Even though he's carrying on two separate lives, I found myself wanting him to succeed -- because you can see how much he wants to make things right by the folks in Midland.

Bottom line -- I want to know what happens next. And then next after that...

Our support probably doesn't mean much (coming from Canada), but it's genuine nonetheless.

Tell the suits to relax. 4,100,000 people is a lot of people...It's more people than will see all the Broadway hits (combined) this entire season! Point out that a good ad buy or two would solve the perceived audience problem. I know, it's complicated. See, when people have never heard of something new, you tell them about it. Then they know. Buy some ads, Fox.

I was totally hooked on Lone Star after a single episode and can't wait to find out what happens next. I record everything I watch on my DVR. (I read somewhere recently that most people record all of the shows they watch rather than watching them live.) It is refreshing to watch a show that isn't a based on a decades-old, stale formula. Let's hope that Fox gives it time to build an audience!

I was SHOCKED when I saw the ratings from the 1st episode... I thought it was a terrific start and planted enough seeds to want to come back the 2nd week to watch. And I thought James Wolk (what a hottie), Jon Voight and David Keith were great so I still can't figure out WTH happened-- except maybe that Bristol Palin was the last "celebrity" to appear on DWTS.

When I see shows like "Outlaw" which was sooooo bad week 1 and week 2 despite :big star" Jimmy Smits, I can't understand why LoneStar seems to have a giant bullseye on it.

I'm cheering you on and hoping Fox executives gives you time to build an audience and appreciate the storyline.

Thanks Kyle for sharing your brilliance with us! This is one of the BEST shows I have ever seen on Fox! The actors were cast perfectly and the story line and script are Fantastic! I like the fact that the show is VERY unpredictable. You Never know what will happen next! I can't wait to see the next Episode!: - )10 STARS for Lonestar!!! Randi Tindel

I thought you show "Lone Star" was brilliant and I told every that I could. I told them to watch the repeat of the 1st episode over the weekend so they'd be caught up for episode 2. Hope I got you a few more viewers this week!

Great show and looked forward to the next episode. This should NOT be removed, especially at this sad hour in our financial lives. Anything that could possibly illuminate the public about the operational con methods employed these days, while also providing good entertainment, should be left alone. For me this is a sleeper and deserves some time to ripen. Fox could perhaps easily move it to a less competitive time slot where we don't have to put up with the idiocies of dancing fluff. I've put out the word.

I watched the first episode on air and the second episode on the Internet because I was busy last night. Loved the show, am dying to see what happens with the characters, and hate the thought that it might be cancelled. If it is, I hope you release all the remaining episodes on DVD or something.

I do feel bad for the writers and people who worked on this show if the marketing of the show is inaccurate.

All the marketing made the show look like something that glorified adultery and a con man tricking innocent women into sex. Not to mention defrauding innocent women and children by having two families.

If that isn't what the show is about, then I feel bad for the people who worked hard on the show and got screwed by the marketing department.

But either way, the soon to be cancellation of this show is a triumph for the overwhelming majority of America that doesn't find adultery cute, interesting, fun, exciting, or something to base a show around.

Oh dear> I read the initial Nielsen ratings for the second episode did not improve but they were even worse than the pilot. I guess a miracle can only save this show. I really enjoyed the second epi by the way. Please Fox let the show run its course......Good Luck-Michael

Kyle, I'm just heartbroken at the news of Lone Star's cancellation. Please let the writers, cast and crew know how much you'll all be missed. At the risk of sounding completely cliché, I think you really caught lightning in a bottle with this story and this cast, and the fact that it ended in such a brusque and unceremonious fashion says much much more about the nature of American television viewers at large and the network's criminal monetization of creativity than it does about your art.

I wish you all the best and will be anxiously awaiting whatever you do next. (But please, take some time off and relax first -- after a screwing like this, I'm sure your ass needs a break.)

There is one thing, I believe, is to be commended and proud of about Lone Star. No negative criticism of it stems from the narrative. People think James Wolk is ugly/Jon Voigt is crazy/don't like the premise because of their own moral insecurities... When no one can offer a negative that reflects the actual work you did, that says something.

The premiere of "Lone Star" was the best I've seen since "West Wing," so Mr. Killan, as far as I am concerned, you are in the same league as Aaron Sorkin. Good luck in your future endeavors. I hope we get to see the four un-aired episodes of "Lone Star" on DVD soon.

" Canceled. Note to creator: No one is going to watch a show about a con artist committing adultery on his really hot wife with another really hot woman. Not shocked at all this tanked after 2 episodes."

It's unfortunate it was marketed like this. The show is much more than just a guy who wants two hot wives.

And here I thought FOX was tired of losing to cable when it came to awards.

"All the marketing made the show look like something that glorified adultery and a con man tricking innocent women into sex. Not to mention defrauding innocent women and children by having two families.

If that isn't what the show is about, then I feel bad for the people who worked hard on the show and got screwed by the marketing department.

But either way, the soon to be cancellation of this show is a triumph for the overwhelming majority of America that doesn't find adultery cute, interesting, fun, exciting, or something to base a show around."

It doesn't glorify adultery at all. The fact that you thought this means they did get screwed by marketing. Call it a "victory" for America, but it's more our loss that another innovative and promising television show bites the dust, while insipid reality television and banal procedurals continue to thrive somehow. I dread the day when network TV is completely filled with these types of shows.

Just because most people do not delight in the glorification of adultery does not mean they have "moral insecurities."

AGAIN: If that is not what the show is about, then Fox really screwed this show's creators.

Perhaps it is the freak Fox marketing people who are so out of touch that they thought viewers would be excited to watch some guy scam on a bunch of innocent women and destroy their families. Sick people.

I know that there were only 2 episodes that I saw, but I truly enjoyed watching the show. It had great characters and really interesting stories. It was way more than adultery. It was about how these characters lived in this world that you created. Sorry to hear about the show, but I'm hopeful that I may get to see more on Lone Star some day. It was the only show that made it into my TiVo season pass out of the new fall shows. Good luck on future endeavors.

I'm so disappointed and saddened to hear about the cancellation. It was a beautifully made show from what we saw. Is there any chance another network might pick it up? A smaller cable network maybe? If not, I hope the team involved will find work quickly.

I am so disappointed in FOX for not at least switching Lone Star to a new time slot or a new night. It is a FANTASTIC show, and like someone previously mentioned, it's *different* from all the other police/hospital/supernatural/fantasy dramas currently on TV. The premise was intriguing and James Wolk... Wow! I'd never heard of him, but am now completely smitten. As far as the ratings go, it is widely known that the Nielsen rating system is quite inequitable and rather inaccurate. You can't qualify or quantify this TV show in the short span of ONE WEEK. I'm praying for a miracle. Bring Lone Star back to life, at a new time or on a new night. **PLEASE, FOX!?!?!?** By the way, the last time I begged for a TV show to come back was back in the 90s: 'My So-Called Life')

I was one of the lucky people who got to view the show in advance along with all of the goodies for a party. We all just LOVED the show and are shocked.. well actually we aren't..lots of great shows get cancelled on TV while total stinkers make it and the person who figures out what it takes will be a rich man indeed.

Maybe USA Network will pick it up? They seem to have a knack for taking quirky shows that might not work elsewhere and breathing life into them.

Maybe it's just the "24" fans in mourning that can't bear to watch TV on Monday nights on FOX anymore after loosing 24?

you are not the underdog. Lone Star is/was not an underdog. Rocky and Rudy - they basically had no chance from the gate; Apollo Creed was basically Muhammad A-fucking-li, and Notre Dame? Well you know, it's Notre-fucking-Dame. So these two underdogs, Rocky and Rudy, were limited and pinned to failure by their own faults and shortcomings against such great and iconic giants. They were the Davids going up against the Goliaths, and their sole slingshot rock was their drive, their heart. So the notion of Lone Star being the underdog does not parallel, does not compute so well...

An underdog is someone who seemingly has no chance, no shot.

Lone Star got to be aired. Major acomplishment! This accomplishment alone disqualifies it form being termed an underdog, as many have bankrolled its way to the living rooms of America. It was chosen over many contestants viying for the same opportunity. Picked above hundreds of pitches and choices and concepts, etc., for whatever reasons - a swell job on the writing was surely the main factor...

In my opinion Lone Star is/was a very accurate representation of the moral dilemmas that plague the very few honest citizens of the world who have, by whatever circumstance, been driven to compromise their conscience in order to "get ahead." I thought I was watching "that" show...

"Adultery!" Some cry...WHAT?

Man gets a legitimate proposal for no-strings-attached "adulterous" sex by a sexy seductress at a hotel and he shows her the ring finger. He then goes on about having not one, mind you, but two reasons to turn her down...

But then again, she's hot. He could be bullshitting about the room nonsense. That could be his scam. His way to get a room at a plush hotel, free of charge, and with a round of bonus sex to ensure a good night's rest. And the sexy seductress is just another prey, another victim, just another mountain in which to plant his victory flag "pole."

But. BUT...

Adultery went out the window the moment the door to the hotel room's bathroom opens and we (unexpectedly) discover...

The hotel maintenance guy, whose departure is presumably followed by a cold shower by the man being accused of being an "adulterer."

Lone Star is not about "adultery," it's about lying. About a liar who is so good at lying but cannot lie to himself, his heart. And when it all comes crashing down he will have to deal with something so tremendous, so frightening: truth. The truth that he loves two women and he will have to try and make truth work even though, and especially when, he and his entire life have been built on the premise of lies. We are all endoctrinated with the notion that telling the truth is much easier than lying, it comes about with much less effort, and that the truth shall set you/us free - but in this guy's case it's exactly the opposite... Or is it? Tune in to find out...

You try to seduce America with someone with a conscience and America shows you the finger. Not the ring finger - THE finger. Ignorance is what that is, Killan, nothing else...

LOVE Lone Star! Its GREAT to have an alternative to - 'reality' show/football/cop show/doctor show. This one is so good!! And its one that will have you screaming at the TV one minute and going 'no way' the next. Come on Fox - THINK, keep the good show. Give people a chance to figure out what they want to watch - before you kill of a great show! Give Lone Star, and your viewers, a chance please!!!

Dear Kyle, I am so sorry to hear Lone Star was cancelled . I really enjoyed it. Epi 2 was really laying out several stories which I do not get to see. As an European I find all this talk about adultery etc soooo ridiculous but then part of the American population are, on some levels, still in the Dark Ages. Funny this was the only critically acclaimed show on network tv which got canceled. It probably says something about the networks. I know it is a long shot but I really hope one of the basic Cable channels will give it a well deserved chance - The best of luck to you and the show. Michael ( Berlin, Germany)

Sorry to hear about the cancellation, but congratulations on making it as far as you did. Fox has a long history of not giving their shows a chance to build an audience. If it makes you feel any better, I'm at home grinding on spec pilots with no real prospects. I can't wait for the day I have a show on the air, regardless of whether or not it stays there. Think back to those days and stay humble. You've got a long career ahead of you.

I'll be honest - there've been eight words gnawing at me about the show's basic premise that the protagonist would be married to two different women. Those eight words are: Christmas Morning, New Year's Eve, Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day. I've been married for 10 years, and trust me - there's no man alive, not even the world's best con man - who can convince his new wife that there's some good reason he must be away from her on a couple of those days, much less miss a couple of those dates year in and year out for the the entire duration of the marriage. Maybe you could play the traveling-on business card for Valentine's Day when it falls on a weekday, but every few years it falls on a Saturday or Sunday - so how's that gonna work? It's not. Anyone who tries to tell you otherwise is trying to con you. Oh, wait a minute . . .

Kyle, user George seems to have a pretty good point. I realize there's a fantasy component to television shows like this one, but what George brings up seems to be such a basic, fatal flaw in the show's whole premise that it'd be hard to watch without wondering about it. How were the show's writers planning to address the issue, or were they just going to sweep it under the rug and hope nobody was paying close enough attention to realize what a huge problem this is? Thnx.

I watched both episodes of Lone Star. It has a great story line and is getting very exciting. Is there a chance FOX would reconsider and put it in a different time slot? If not, can another network pick it up? It was up against Dancing with the Stars, The Event, and Monday Night Football. I don't see how ANY new show could survive that competition.

I watched both episodes of Lone Star. It has a great story line and is getting very exciting. Is there a chance FOX would reconsider and put it in a different time slot? If not, can another network pick it up? It was up against Dancing with the Stars, The Event, and Monday Night Football. I don't see how ANY new show could blast off against those shows.

Hi there, I'm just another person who thought LoneStar really had something going on and would have watched it for a long time, if only....

I too was so sad they cancelled the show and I'm only a viewer. I can't imagine what it's like for all of you who worked so hard to make this show a reality for all of us.

I don't get the comments about not wanting to watch a show about adultery. It wasn't about that. People don't want to admit they can love more than one person at a time. I knew that was a lie by the age of 17. This makes me think I live in the wrong country, like I belong somewhere else. Hell, I think I was born on the wrong planet.

The photography on LoneStar was beautiful. I will never forget that long shot of Bob when he pulls into the Shell gas-station at night all alone.

The characters had more depth in 2 hours than some have in a lifetime of seasons. The actors were awesome. James Wolk is on the road to being a master of his craft.

The writing was smart, funny, honest, and real.

You know how to do it all. I look forward to seeing your name on the screen again, hopefully soon, when a not so stupid network picks LoneStar up.

Oh! Alan Sepinwall just wrote a review of 5 great shows that got canned before they barely got out the gate. It's a tribute to you. I think you would enjoy reading it.

So tell me, Mr. militant poster named Michael. How long ago did your wife cheat on you. You seem awfully PERSONALLY attached to the subject matter; and your cartoonishly super-villain cackles over the demise of a show that you never watched but will take time in your day to piss on is only masking some tremendous hurt inside of you -- possibly over some nerve that this show's concept struck with you... Or you're a brainwashed Westboro Baptist member who verbally sets himself on fire to get attention. Go out and try to build something yourself and you'll see how hard it actually is to do.

I really wish this could've lasted a little longer. Fox is way too quick to jump the gun. I really hope Lone Star can still find a home somewhere. Maybe another network who is willing to market it and give it the praise it deserves.

Can someone help me? For the love of G-d, would someone -anyone - please try to complete the following dialogue:Robert to wife # 2, trying to cover for the fact that he's spending Christmas day with wife #1 - "Honey, I know we just got married, and I know what an incredibly special day Christmas is, and how virtually every family - at least every Christian one - spends that day together, and I know you parents are throwing a big Christmas dinner, and I know every Christmas morning virtually since you were born you look forward to opening presents under the Christmas tree with your loved ones, and I know that I don't have a job that requires me to work on Christmas day, but honey, I'm afraid I'm still not going to be able to spend Christmas day with you (and while I'm on the subject, I can't spend next Valentine's Day with you either). Why not?? well, because ______________???????????"I'm begging, people - can someone please try to fill in that blank for me, because if you can't fill in that blank for just one Christmas day for one year, JUST HOW WAS ROBERT PLANNING TO FILL IT IN MULTIPLE TIMES EVERY YEAR in justifying to each wife on a rotating basis having to be away for: Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, Thanksgiving, and Valentine's Day?????????

There are plenty of ways around that. Your working under the assumption the show would only be about juggling the marriages and would never evolve. As time goes on, he could divorce one. One, or both, of the relationships could become so strained that his missing would not be shocking.

It's the stagnation of network television where everything is the same every episode that has led to such disbelief in creativity.

You're missing the point. Robert is sold to us as a prett darn smart guy. Pretty smart guy who's is love. Smart guys understand the concept of "impossible." It's impossible and unimaginable how to respond to the conundrum I raised. Your solution is to suggest that one of the marriages went sour. But that's one solution head-over-heels-in love Robert would hardly count on to resolve the otherwise impossibility of explaining to his newly betrothed why he had to miss spending Christmas etc. So supposedly smart-as-a-whip Robert, knowing that there was no rational way to explain things away to his two different wives, would have known not to marry both of them in the first place. Saying that he was in love doesn't help explain the situation - it makes it that much more inexplicable - if he was in love, then he would presumably not want to put himself in an impossible position vis a vis Christmas day, etc., and that would have a high likelihood of exposing his fraud to one or both of his wives. So my point is that a smart in-love guy like Robert would never marry two women in the first place, because he would anticipate the impossible position it would put him in. For you to suggest that the marriages might not have worked out therefore completely misses the point, because it fails to account for why Robert, when he's in love with both women, would choose to put himself in such a fatally precarious position to begin with. In short, your response is completely out of touch with basic principles of human psychology and motivation.

Loved the show, couldn't wait for the next show. This was not fair to cancel only after one show. And The Event is not worth watching again. Don't give up, find someway to come back. Everybody I know loved it.

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Great show, very saddened to hear it has been canceled. It was definitely my favorite new show of the season. I have been telling friends to watch it on Hulu, not sure the networks count Hulu but they should. Hope you find a new network for it.

I loved this show. I do not condone cheating, but it was a new twist to what is currently on TV. It was not a reality, cop or medical show. Shame on FOX for putting it on at the same time Dancing with the Stars is being aired. Shame. Shame.... Would love to see FOX give this show a different night to see what it could actually do on the ratings scale. I would love to see the remaining episodes. Please post if you see this show aired again...

I am so dissapointed that this show has ended after only two episodes. I despise cheaters but the way they developed the characters you almost had to root for Bob not to get caught. You felt bad for him becuase of his dad. I loved both of the women, could se why he loved them and why he was striving for normal. I also liked Drew the underdog brother, and the complex relationships between fathers and sons. It deserves another chance. I was telling everyone. Maybe this show would be better for more open minded audiences like the ones who watch HBO.

Really, really liked your show and am sad to hear it's canceled. I'd definitely watch all the episodes online or by rental. Any chance of that happening?

Please don't stop writing/making shows like this. I know because the ratings were low, it seemed like no one watched, but there are people who dig these types of shows. Even though we're not as numerous as the 'Two & A Half Men' and 'CSI' crowds, I'd like to think we're more loyal and passionate about our TV shows. I know I am!

Why can't Lone Star be shopped around to another network-- such as a cable network (such as a "FX" or an "AMC" type of network)? I don't think that Lone Star should be gone and forgotten.... it is too good of a show and was never truly given a chance.

Sometimes I think you aim for the wrong demographic. I realize good ratings are essential and we up north are not part of it, but who calculates them, and how?I am a 60-year-old Canadian and I can recognize a good show when it comes along. LONESTAR had the makings of a GREAT show. For fantasy thrills, suspense and drama there is nothing like watching some con-dude married to two beautiful women and living separate lives.Unfortunately, most Americans are addicted to dumbass reality shows! Idiots who watch reality TV should not be part of your ratings system.

Melinda said... Where oh where is my new favorite show Lone Star?? I watched both nights and fell in love with the show. Fox, at least put this show on a different night. I've told everyone about it and now we can't find it!

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Kyle Killen...

... writes fiction and other nonsense. His work has appeared in Mcsweeney's, Salon.com, The Mid-American Review, The Berkley Fiction Review, The Black Warrior Review, and numerous other places ending in the word Review. He previously wrote letters to gestating children and even won an award once.

He now lives with a large number of women and cats, which is exactly as hip and exciting as you think it sounds.